4-Day Trek To The Guassa Plateau
Description
Trek on foot or travel by mule to experience Ethiopia’s unique natural and cultural heritage and traditional village life in the Ethiopian highlands. Discover breathtaking views bursting with endemic birds and mammals such as the iconic Ethiopian wolf and the charismatic Gelada on this 4-day trek to the Guassa Plateau.
Highlights
- Walk through an Afro-alpine meadow to Lobelia Valley
- Get a chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf
- Spot the lammergeyer or bearded vulture
- Discover a cluster of stone houses in the traditional Menz village
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Guassa expand_more
Arrive at Guassa Community Lodge at Regreg around lunchtime, meet up with the guide and check-in.
After a short rest, take a short trek to the nearby mountaintop; this idyllic spot offers genuinely stunning views over the Guassa plateau and the chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Along the trail, your guide will describe the natural surroundings as well as the local history and conservation efforts.
Return to Regreg and get a briefing about the upcoming treks.
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Day 2: Atse Wiha expand_more
After an early breakfast, trek on foot or mule back for around five to six hours from Regreg to Atse Wiha Camping ground, walking through an Afro-alpine meadow to “Lobelia Valley”, which is filled with thousands of these giant plants. The trail then winds its way into the moorland, where visitors will experience the enormous highland flora as well as an impressive array of animal life, including the endemic Gelada and Ethiopian wolf.
Have a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings, and keep an eye out for a rare and graceful bird of prey - the lammergeyer or bearded vulture. This raptor, considered the lord of the high plateau, can often be seen soaring in search of food.
In the late afternoon, the mules are sent back to their base, and you’ll set up camp at Atse Wiha.
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Day 3: Cheguarit Meda expand_more
This scenic trail to Cheguarit Meda (four to five hours) offers splendid views of the untouched juniper forest of yegana, now become rare in Ethiopia. These trails offer a variety of interesting attractions, including endemic bird species and wildlife and scenic overlook down to the lowlands.
Before the final ascent towards the camp, discover a cluster of stone houses in the traditional Menz village at Tebab. The Menz people are famous for their two-storey stone huts with thatched roofs, and their woven wool rugs and traditional blankets are considered to be some of Ethiopia’s finest weaving work.
Before returning to camp, you will sip coffee with villagers.
Evening will be most memorable as everyone gathers around a campfire to attend a traditional Menz dance ceremony.
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Day 4: Addis Ababa expand_more
Enjoy a short trek to the main road, where there will be a vehicle waiting for you to drive back to Addis Ababa.
What's Included
All entrance fees
Scouts and English-speaking Guassa local guides
Surface transportation
Accommodation
One bottle of water each day
Meal: Breakfast in the hotel stay
Full board in camping day
What's Excluded
Photo or video fee of any ceremony or local festivals
Tips
Alcohol drinks and personal expenses
Travel and accident insurance
Know before you go
Price is subject to change during peak season.
Meeting Point
Guassa Community Lodge, Ethiopia
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
The group size and price | |
1 To 4 | USD 650 Per Group |
This is a group tour |